Blackbird Media Buys Iconic Atlanta billboard

The newly purchased billboard location pictured as its former static version. photo from Google Photos

Nashville’s Blackbird Media Buys Iconic Atlanta Billboard

A Tennessee media company recognized for best-in-market, large format outdoor signage, has purchased Atlanta’s most iconic billboard.

Blackbird Media today announced the acquisition of the Centennial Olympic Park spectacularbillboard, a legacy property of Boardworks Outdoor Advertising Company, Inc. of Atlanta.Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The billboard, historically referred to as the “CNN Sign,” is one of the most recognized out-of homemedia properties in the country. Formerly a static billboard, Blackbird has upgraded theface to a 30×100 ft., 13mm LED spectacular digital display manufactured by the Atlanta-basedFormetco, Inc.

Blackbird CEO Chenault Sanders said the company would immediately rebrand the sign as “TheAtlanta Sign.”

“The Atlanta Sign is one of the most iconic media properties in the country,” Sanders said. “Ourcompany believes in the future of digital-out-of-home advertising, and this acquisition is inkeeping with our premise that best-in-market properties provide the highest value toadvertisers and consumers in premium markets. We look forward to partnering with the city ofAtlanta and being an important part of its identity.”

As in other markets, Sanders added that Blackbird Media desires to work with localphilanthropic organizations by using The Atlanta Sign to support and advance the causes ofsuch organizations.

“We have found that integrating digital out-of-home with other digital channels can give aspectacular sign such as this a voice and personality that reflects the values and character of thecommunity,” Sanders said. “By doing this, we give major brands a unique opportunity tocommunicate authentically with Atlantans while also providing substantial advertisinginventory to the city’s public and non-profit institutions. An asset of this significance should bemore than just an advertising venue.”

Blackbird Media is the largest independent, out-of-home media company in Tennessee,controlling high-quality static and digital advertising properties. The company uses thoseproperties and its unique model to connect national brands with the communities they serve.Blackbird relies heavily on digital technology, creating distinct advertising experiences forcustomers and the public.

Blackbird controls The Nashville Sign located at the 13-lane intersection at the WestEnd/Broadway Split in Nashville, Tennessee. Frequently referred to as the “Times Square of theSouth,” The Nashville Sign underwent a digital conversion similar to The Atlanta Sign in 2015and has become Nashville’s most recognizable media property.

The well-known, media-focused private equity firm Tantara Capital Partners of Pasadena,California assisted Blackbird with the deal. Tantara Managing Partner Steve McNeely, who sitson Blackbird’s board, said “Blackbird Media really understands the value proposition of out-of home and its actionable technology. We are excited to be part of the deal for The Atlanta Sign,and look forward to working with Chenault and Blackbird Media to continue their developmentof iconic, large format digital displays.”

Along with Tantara Capital Partners, owners of a large institutional investor have provided afinancial commitment of growth capital to support Blackbird in its ongoing acquisitions.

Max Drachman of Kalil & Co., Inc., was the exclusive broker for the transaction.

For more information about Blackbird Media visit www.blackbirdoutdoor.com.

William (Bill) Board. Experienced, reliable source in all facets of the Out of Home Industry. Alternative Voice for Outdoor Advertising. Infectious love of all things OOH. Publisher. Writer. Seller. Buyer. Owner. Investor. Champion. Confidant. Old and New Biz Expert. Sales. Manager. Billboard Doctor. Social Media Upstart. Specialization in outdoor advertising for so many years. Sold over 100,000 locations. Viewed every billboard location in America except Maine.